Toby Hendry, 41, made threats to his former partner

A MAN struggling to cope with the breakdown of his long-term relationship ended up in court after threatening to smash his way into his ex-partner's home with a baseball bat.

A court judge told Toby Hendry his behaviour had been “shameful” when he appeared at York Crown Court for sentencing, after pleading guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, namely the bat.

The court heard Hendry, 41, of Bramham Road, York, and his long-term partner had separated last summer, but he had “some difficulties with the fact”, and had contacted her, behaving in a way she described as “threatening and amounting to harrassment”.

On November 17, Hendry turned up unannounced at her home in Acomb and banged on the front door while she was alone inside, the court heard. He then left and visited the home of some of her relatives, who felt “increasingly fearful” for her safety, and went to the Acomb house.

When they arrived, Hendry was in the garden and a “heated exchange” followed before he left and the family went inside.

Shortly afterwards, he returned with a baseball bat and threatened to “smash his way in”, causing those inside to fear for their safety, the court was told. Eventually, he left without causing any damage and was arrested at a later date.

Laura Addy, for Hendry, said he had reacted badly to the break-down of the relationship, and was tackling an alcohol addiction.

Ms Addy said: “I think it’s fair to say the past 12 months for the defendant have been very difficult.”

Hendry was sentenced to a 12-month community and supervision order, ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, issued with a restraining order, and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge.